Exploring the National Parks

by Ann Proctor

Our last couple of posts have been about dreaming that your vacation is in a National Park (through playing a game) and telling you about one of the things to do before you get there (buy a National Parks Pass). So we thought that we would give you some idea of what to expect when you get there!

When you visit a National Park, prepare not only to be entertained, but to be educated, so subtly so that you and your children may not even realize it is happening. The moment you enter the park you will receive brochures, maps, and a park newspaper full of services available, interesting tidbits, current activities, and other pertinent information like road closures, detours, and delays.

The park information will give you details of guided tours, where knowledgeable park rangers share the park’s history, geology, and other notable facts, as well as self-guided tours you can complete at your own pace. The visitor centers typically offer interactive displays and contain a wealth of information. (Michael's favorite is the Canyon Information Center in Yellowstone!) Roadside pullouts throughout the park feature signs describing what you are seeing in more depth – you can’t help but learn something new from reading them! The goal of all of these interpretive services is to increase each visitor’s enjoyment and understanding, and to foster care for our national parks.

Campfire programs are hosted on select evenings and reach out to entertain and enlighten visitors on a wide variety of topics. For kids, the Junior Ranger programs occupy the small fry with fun activities and reward their learning with a badge. Also available to visitors is the National Park website (http://www.nps.gov/), a great tool which will assist in planning your visit, as well as a fun facts section to get the kids involved.

And we can help plan that driving vacation into the National Park of your choice. Not only have we been there, but 10 years worth of our clients have been there and all that information goes into creating great vacations for you and your family. Whether it's by RV or rental car, we can help you create a trip of a lifetime!